Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu Agency’s English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Relentless Israeli attacks on Gaza

Israel continues carrying out attacks in Gaza City, destroying buildings and forcibly evacuating the entire population under an occupation plan.

Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Tunisia, on its way to the Gaza Strip carrying international activists and humanitarian aid in an effort to break Israel’s unlawful blockade. The ships are expected to arrive in the enclave in the coming days, with possible Israeli interceptions anticipated.

US secretary of state to visit Qatar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Qatar, from Israel, a week after the unprecedented Israeli strike on Doha on Sept. 9. Rubio to meet Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha.

Spanish king pays 4-day state visit to Egypt

King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia will begin a state visit to Egypt at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

They will be accompanied by Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, on their first visit to Egypt, which will last for four days.

US president’s state visit to UK

US President Donald Trump pays three-day state visit to the UK, following an invitation extended by King Charles in February during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Washington, DC.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump will be hosted at Windsor Castle during their stay. The main schedule for the trip begins on Wednesday, while the UK and US are set to sign a security-focused tech agreement.

UN Human Rights Council on Israeli strikes in Qatar

UN Human Rights Council holds an urgent debate in Geneva to discuss the Israeli strikes on Doha, Qatar, last week. It comes after requests submitted by Pakistan on behalf of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and by Kuwait on behalf of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

UN Commission report on Gaza

The latest report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel will be presented by the Commission of Inquiry at a press conference in Geneva.

Polish president visits Germany, France

Polish President Karol Nawrocki pays a visit to Germany, where he is expected to hold talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss bilateral ties, including wartime reparations and the return of cultural property and compensation. Later, he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to hold talks on strengthening bilateral ties and European security, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war.

EU General Affairs Council

Ministers for European affairs will prepare for the General Affairs Council in Brussels for the October European Council by reviewing the draft agenda, discussing the Commission’s letter of intent, and exchanging views on EU legislative programming. They are also expected to hold a discussion on the rule of law in the EU and selected candidate countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Swedish foreign minister visits Germany

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard visits Berlin to meet her German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The pair is expected to discuss international security developments, EU-related issues as well as bilateral relations.

CIS permanent representatives to review preparations for Minsk meeting

Permanent representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which brings together Russia and several former Soviet republics, will gather in Minsk to review preparations for the upcoming Council of Heads of Government meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on the organizational and substantive agenda of the summit.

First hearing planned for Tyler Robinson, suspect in fatally Charlie Kirk shooting

Tyler Robinson is scheduled to appear for a virtual first hearing after being arrested last week on suspicion of fatally shooting right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10.

Congressional appearance by FBI chief

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to appear before both the Senate and House Judiciary committees, facing scrutiny over his handling of the agency. The FBI's response to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk drew sharp criticism from Republicans.

US, India hold trade talks in New Delhi

US Trade Representative for South Asia Brendan Lynch to hold trade talks with his Indian counterpart Rajesh Agarwal in New Delhi. The strategic partners have seen ties strained after US punished New Delhi over purchases of Russian oil, imposing 50% tariffs on Indian imports.

Malawi to hold general elections

Malawi to hold presidential and legislative elections, where 17 candidates, including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, are running for the presidency. Chakwera is seeking a second and final term, as allowed by the Constitution. Voters will also elect a new 193-member National Assembly.

THE ECONOMY ​​​​​​​

Eurozone economic sentiment

Market research institute ZEW to release monthly economic sentiment figures for the euro area and Germany. Eurostat will also release monthly industrial production figures.

US retail sales

US to announce monthly retail sales figures for August. In July, the sales rose 0.5% month-on-month. The country will also release monthly industrial production figures.

SPECIAL REPORTS

As above, so below: Africa takes on ‘the biggest lie’ in world geography

Report on the African-led push to replace the distorted Mercator projection with the Equal Earth map, backed by the African Union.

The story explains how the 1569 Mercator map inflates northern regions while shrinking Africa, downplaying its significance. The Correct the Map campaign, led by Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, calls for schools, governments, media, and tech companies to adopt more accurate projections.

The report includes comments from Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, who stresses that the issue is about more than geography, arguing that maps shape perceptions of importance and opportunity, and correcting distortions is essential for Africa to reclaim its global presence.

High peaks, low arrivals: Pakistan’s climbing industry faces crisis

Report on the steep drop in foreign climbers visiting Pakistan’s mountaineering region this season, where arrivals have fallen by 90% compared to last year, delivering a blow to the mountaineering economy.

The story outlines the causes of the slump, including climate disasters, avalanches, recent regional conflicts, and sharp increases in climbing fees. It also highlights the economic impact on local tourism, particularly porters, hotel operators, and transporters who rely heavily on the climbing season.

The report features comments from Alpine Club of Pakistan official Karrar Haidri, expedition operator Anwar Syed, porter Ashraf Ali Raza Sadpara, and Gilgit-Baltistan tourism official Iqbal Hussain.